Jesse Jackson Jr. in D.C., return to work unclear

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is back in Washington, but it’s unclear when exactly he’ll return to work.

Jackson had been on medical leave and was receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic for depression. He was released on Friday and returned to Washington, where he is recuperating with his wife and family, his spokesman Frank Watkins said.

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“He is still under the doctors’ care and they are the ones who will make the final judgment on when he will return,” Watkins told POLITICO.

There were reports that Jackson would return to the Hill in time for votes Monday night, but Watkins said there was no information on when exactly Jackson would be able to come back to work. Jackson’s chief of staff Rick Bryant told the Chicago Tribune he was “hopeful” the congressman would be at work Monday, but now that is looking unlikely.

Jackson’s wife Sandi sent a text message to a local NBC affiliate that the congressman would “be home under his doctor’s care until further notice.”

His father, Jesse Jackson Sr., told the Associated Press he hoped his son would take the time he needed to fully recover.

“I hope he does not move quickly, because he’s so anxious to function; so anxious to work. He’s programmed in that direction. He wants to serve. I think his people have been quite generous to him in terms of giving him time,” Jackson Sr. said. “But my concern is that of a father. I have no interest in the political timetable. It’s his health timetable, and there is no date certain for that.”

Jackson Jr. abruptly took a leave of absence in June and his office later revealed he was undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder. He is running for reelection in his Chicago district, where he is expected to win handily. But he is facing an ongoing ethics probe of whether or not he tried to negotiate a deal with former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for President Barack Obama’s Senate seat.

Jackson has had problems for years, which has been obvious to anyone who cared to look beyond his name. He has Medical benefits that surpass any we will ever be able to afford and I bet he has been collecting his full, exorbitant salary. I blame the people who voted for him. I sure wish people who have been using their heads for little more than a "hat rack" would wise up.

My guess is he's trying to ride out the 'sickness' until after the Presidential election. If Obama wins, he may get a pass, and experience a miraculous recovery. If Romney wins, Jackson may face an even more aggressive prosecution and may experience clinical insanity to hopefully avoid prison.

I'm from Illinois, please keep him. Is there any way the citizens of Illinois could get some group therapy for depression? After Blagojevich, Quinn, and a democrat controlled House and Senate since 2002, it would be much appreciated.